The back of the neck is one of the most infamous places that you can be burned by the sun’s strong UV rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sun protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shade as vital elements of complete sun protection – but none of these can completely protect your neck.
It’s one of the spots that’s out of sight and therefore, hard to make sure is completely protected. That’s why an effective sunscreen is a must!
Your neck is one of the most vulnerable places on your body in terms of sun damage. It’s difficult to know what type of skincare products to use on your neck. Not to make this any worse, but it does depend heavily on your unique skin type.
But fear not – I’m here to help and accompany you during your search process. Together we will find the right product!
After looking into what is necessary for proper sun protection of your neck, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for the neck. Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for your neck.
Buyer’s Guide
Be sure that your neck is properly protected against the sun’s UV rays by searching for these must-have features in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
The one thing I want you to always remember when you go shopping for sunscreen is that you need it to provide broad spectrum protection. This means that you get balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Why is this important, you ask? The reason is that each type of ray works differently.
- UVB rays are the ones you’re most aware of, they damage the outer layer of your skin and cause burning and tanning.
- UVA rays, on the other hand, damage the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis), and cause premature aging. So you’ll be more aware of those rays later in life!
Your neck is very vulnerable to the sun and exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer. That’s why you need to be sure to protect yourself properly.
It’s super simple to find broad spectrum sunscreens so there’s no reason to choose any other type. They are available and easy to spot. Check the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.
The label usually has words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ which makes it very clear. In the ingredients list, you want to search for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against the full range of UVA/B rays and are the best sunscreen option!
Best SPF for the Neck
If you’re anything like me then you’ve probably gone throughout your life relying on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) without really knowing what it means. No shame in that. It’s a common practice. But after I learned how it really worked, I realized how much it could help me during my search!
SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied your sunscreen.
This means that if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, then only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. It is really great, but don’t get carried away.
But wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 does not mean that you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. The sensitive skin on the back of your neck would not be happy with that!
There are various factors which influence the effectiveness of SPF including the time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and reflections from surfaces like sand and water.
Check out this table below. It will help you to better understand how much protection you get from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Not exactly what you’ve rationalizing to yourself all these years, right? The truth is that there is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So which is the best rating for your neck?
SimplySunSafe, in line with the AAD, suggests that you always choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
Key above all is to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours, no matter what!
Physical is better than chemical
Not all sunscreens are created equal and that’s something important for you to remember during your search. There are two main groups – chemical and physical. The differences between the groups lie in the active ingredients and how these ingredients work to protect your skin.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
There are endless reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones. Physical sunscreens:
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
Does it sound good to you?
Here’s one more reason to choose physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. You don’t want to apply such chemicals on your neck, skin so close to your eyes and mouth.
The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone, and all I can say is that you need to steer clear of it! It is still legal despite concerns expressed by the EWG!
The best sunscreen for your neck and face will be a physical one!
High SPF
Now that we’ve discussed what the SPF rating really tells you, it’s time to think about what this means for the protection of your neck. Your neck shares similar qualities with your face, one of which is its overall vulnerability, especially to sun damage.
The back of your neck, as you probably know, is the place where you need to pay the most attention, and for that reason, it is a good idea to choose sunscreens with high SPF ratings to protect your neck.
The high SPF rating will provide a little extra boost to your protection to ensure that the quality of your skin is not compromised due to sun exposure. The best sunscreen for your neck and chest will have a high SPF rating.
Think of it as extra sun insurance for your skin!
Water resistant
Just let me start by saying that water resistance is not necessary when you are looking to protect your neck against the sun. That being said, however, there are many instances in which you will want water resistance in your neck’s sun protection.
Consider outdoor exercise, swimming, and simply sweating from hot and humid weather. So it’s something worth thinking about.
Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. It is up to you to decide which level of water resistance, if any at all, suits your needs for protecting your neck!
Best Sunscreen for Neck Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection |
 Vanicream Sunscreen |
 Blue Lizard Sensitive |
 EltaMD UV Pure |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 50 | 50+ | 30+ | 47 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (21.6%) | Zinc Oxide (7%) & Titanium Dioxide (5%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | None | 80 minutes |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Neck
After thorough research into how to properly protect your neck which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for the neck.
Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They are all great options for protecting your neck area!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream is suitable for daily use on even sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating body and face sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection from the sun begins instantly. The fast absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
- CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Ideal sunscreen for sport and other activities that make you sweat. Our sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- Accurate Ingredient List: Our updated packaging guarantees precise ingredient listings while preserving our unchanged formulas. Rest assured, there have been no changes to our ingredients. Our fragrance is derived solely from natural oils, ensuring a pleasant scent without any harmful effects. Note: "Natural Fragrance Oils" simply describes the natural oils used to provide a delightful aroma.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s first recommendation for sunscreen for your neck is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+. It provides stellar broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
With thinksport, you never have to worry about the safety of your skin. It was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements and lives up to its reputation. It’s a gentle formula that works well on your face, neck, and body and will not cause you any irritation.
Thinksport provides 80 minutes of water resistance, has a high SPF rating, and is ideal for summer activities and outdoor exercise!
The high concentration of zinc oxide means that you’ll be left with a slight white cast, but you can cover it up with makeup, if you’d like!
This product is so effective its also made the number one spot as the best bald head sunscreen. Ironically, the baby version of this formula (called thinkbaby) is also featured as the best sunscreen for hair. So no matter what you’ve got going on around your neck this formula will get the job done.
- High SPF rating
- Works well on face, neck, and body
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Leaves slight white cast
2. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
- 3-fluid ounce tube of Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 for superior broad spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays for your little one's skin
- This effective baby mineral sunscreen lotion is as mild as water to skin and applies to baby's skin easily to lock in moisture without stinging or irritation. It's suitable for use on both the face and body
- Specially formulated for baby's delicate skin, it contains naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active and skin-soothing oat, and is both sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- From the pediatrician-recommended brand, this SPF 50 sensitive skin sunscreen lotion features a tear-free formula that is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free, phthalate-free and fragrance-free. It is available in a convenient, TSA-friendly travel size
- The gentle daily baby sunscreen has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another great choice for protecting your neck, face and chest, especially if you have sensitive skin, is Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection.
With Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection you receive broad spectrum protection through its active ingredient zinc oxide (21.6%).
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection is designed for the most sensitive of skin on the face and body, as its name suggests. You will be able to protect your neck gently with Aveeno, though you will be left with a bit of a white cast.
The SPF is high for better protection and you get 80 minutes of water resistance, as well!
The oatmeal included in the formula will provide your neck, face and chest area with a soft moisturizing effect for an added touch. Give this sunscreen a try!
- High SPF
- Moisturizing formula
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Leaves white cast
3. Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Vanicream Sunscreen is a great option for the protection of your neck because it is a brand that provides excellent skin care overall. With this sunscreen, you will receive broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (7%) and titanium dioxide (5%).
Vanicream Sunscreen has a formula that is very gentle and will protect your neck area while also nourishing it. You will not be left with a white cast and it is great if you have dry skin due to the moisturising ingredients that make a noticeable difference!
This strong formula provides you with a protective high SPF rating as well as 80 minutes of water resistance. It is a great candidate for everyday or specific use!
- High SPF
- Moisturizing ingredients for dry skin
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
4. Blue Lizard Sensitive Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+
- AUSTRALIAN-STRENGTH SUNSCREEN – Our classic Regular sunscreen: Born in Australia, made in the USA
- ALWAYS MINERAL-BASED – Combining mineral and chemical UV protectors for water-resistant performance you can trust
- DERMATOLOGIST-RECOMMENDED BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB SPF 30+ – Mineral active Zinc Oxide provides true broad spectrum protection
- WATER RESISTANT AND SWEAT RESISTANT – Up to 80 minutes water resistance, so you stay protected longer
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH – Vitamin E conditions skin and helps restore supple texture
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blue Lizard Sensitive is your best option for neck sun protection if you are not interested in water resistance. With Blue Lizard Sensitive, you get broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5%).
Blue Lizard Sensitive’s formula is designed (as the name suggests) for sensitive skin and this includes that area around your neck, face and chest. Dermatologists recommend it for its moisturizing nature and reliability.
The SPF isn’t the highest and you don’t get water resistance, but Blue Lizard Sensitive is an excellent and dependable sunscreen that will work well for your vulnerable neck in everyday situations (say to work rather than to the beach).
- Sensitive skin formulation
- Recommended by dermatologist
- No water resistance
5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47
- EltaMD UV Pure Kids Sunscreen Lotion is a SPF 47 mineral sunscreen and body sunscreen made with chemical-free active ingredients for kids and adults who want effective, long lasting sun protection
- This full body mineral sunscreen is made with physical active ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that reflect and scatter harsh UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and offer better sun protection for families
- Gentle kids sunscreen and body sunscreen formula glides over wet or dry skin, rubs in quickly, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making this a great water resistant sunscreen for kids and adults
- Lightly rub in this oil free sunscreen for kids face and body and reapply often for all-around sun protection
- Formulated for all skin types, this sunscreen kids lotion is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, gluten free, vegan, and noncomedogenic for an effective sunscreen that keeps everybody’s skin well protected from the sun
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for protecting your neck is EltaMD UV Pure. This sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD UV Pure is a lightweight formula that you will find pleasant on your skin. It works well under makeup and will not leave your skin feeling greasy or looking especially white.
It’s a great option for everyday use and will serve you will in many situations where you want to protect your neck.
With EltaMD UV Pure, you receive 80 minutes of water resistance and a high SPF rating!
This sunscreen definitely needs to be in your trial runs!
- High SPF rating
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Lightweight formula
- Leaves slight white cast
Conclusion
This guide was written for those searching for the best sunscreen for the neck. I hope that by reading this guide you learned more about the vulnerable neck and area and found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ but all 5 listed products will provide excellent protection to your neck.
Your next step is to test out different products to learn which the is the best type of formula for you. Then you can proceed with choosing the specific sunscreen to use on your neck!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from others. If you use or know of another sunscreen that is great for the neck, please share it in the comments below. I’ll be sure to check it out and maybe even add it to this list!
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